343 Messages
Can entry sensors be installed outdoors?
I suspect that someone has been going into my back yard unauthorized. The only entry is through one gate and I would like to put an entry sensor on the gate. Can entry sensors be used outdoors or are they only for indoor use?
Official Solution
davey_d
Community Admin
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5.7K Messages
2 years ago
Hi @usmaak,
Unfortunately no. The Entry Sensors are best set up indoors, between 32°F - 104°F with 90% max humidity. They're not shielded for dust or moisture at all, so rain, snow, an even morning rain would cause them trouble.
The only outdoor option we have would be the Outdoor Camera.
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captain11
Captain
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6.1K Messages
2 years ago
@usmaak Rated only for use indoors by Simplisafe, I have used entry sensors outdoors and they work fine, as long as within range of the base, and signal is not blocked (example, on my mailbox 60 feet away, no issues, in my mailbox, no dice).
At 14 and change apiece (less if you buy a 4 pack at Best Buy) even if the entry sensor stops working and it's a total loss, not a disaster. I say, let 'er rip. Please post your outcome here if you get a chance, and happy holidays to you and your family!
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Dehler26
2 Messages
2 years ago
Can the entry sensor be used outdoors on a pool gate, yard gate, or shed?
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usmaak
343 Messages
2 years ago
I wonder if it would be possible to coat the entire sensor in a thin coat of rubber or silicone to waterproof it. I found a waterproof case for it on Amazon but they are no longer available.
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terry_cheever
1 Message
2 years ago
As with captain11 I also use one outdoors on my gate and it does bark at me when the temperature gets extremely cold, and I usually operate the gate to allow the sensor to find itself again. And also, since they are not expensive, I consider that one expendable as it does provide security while it works. Hasn't completely failed yet though I'm sure the battery has taken a beating and will replace when it does die.
Would be a nice fix for SimpliSafe to develop an outdoor entry sensor for sale as there is a market for that.
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sarahminchey1
4 Messages
1 year ago
I have not tried it, but I did find a seller on Etsy that 3d prints casings for the indoor sensors so you can use them outside. I have not tried them and don't know of their reliability. The sensors themselves are also only rated for indoor use. Use at your own risk I suppose. But its not a bad idea, I had the same thought when the dude that broke into my house used our gate.
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jasonsoares408
1 Message
28 days ago
I want a sensor for my gate. Outdoor use sensors are needed. I didn’t find any that are made by simply safe
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Streaky
31 Messages
28 days ago
A year on, the sensor outside, that is protected by a slightly modified PSP cover that comes with the outdoor kit for the indoor camera, is still working.
At least it is sending an "open" alert.
The issue I have is that it doesn't recognise when it's closed (and never has). The purpose of this sensor it to provide assurance that a bolt is closed.
SS sent a replacement and I demonstrated that, even when positioned within a few inches of my base station, whilst moving the magnet away from the sensor would trigger an "open" event and change the status to "open", bringing the magnet back to touch the sensor did not change the status to "closed".
(edited)
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